Best Restaurants in Cleveland

Cleveland Restaurants

Ranked as one of the “Best Food Cities” according to Time.com in 2015, Cleveland has been becoming a foodie city for quite some time now. Cleveland came on to the food scene when Lola by famous chef, Michael Symon made its debut in 1997 and the city hasn’t looked back since. The city’s many cultural neighborhoods have helped make this foodie city what it is. Amazing restaurants from all over, including Little Italy to the Flats grace this list. This guide will give you great options for your next dinner out with friends, happy hour with coworkers, and family get-togethers.

Best Restaurants in Downtown Cleveland

#1 Cleveland Chop

Located in the Warehouse District, Chop is an upscale steakhouse, that’s more than just a steakhouse. While it does have great steaks, it also features a menu full of choices like the Chicken Piccata, Seafood Fettuccini and more. A great choice for those who have a hard time agreeing on a restaurant!

Connected to the Westin hotel and AECOM building, Urban Farmer is the perfect spot for tourists and work crowd alike. Featuring a unique interior complete with leather couches, walls with plants on them and rustic warmth that will make you feel like you’re right at home. A great place for a cocktail or meal full of comfort food.

It wouldn’t be a guide to the best Cleveland restaurants without making a stop on East 4th street! Mabel’s is known as one of the best (and only) BBQ joints in the city. Customers come for the kielbasa, pig ears and the brisket.

Best Restaurants in Little Italy Cleveland

Little Italy is one Cleveland’s most famous ethnic neighborhoods. Located on the east side, it features the best Italian delicacies and treasures making it a great place for a weekend adventure!

#1 Mia Bella Restaurant

Mia Bella features one of the healthiest menus in the city with locally grown produce, gluten-free options and plant-based dishes. Perfect if you’re craving comfort food, but not craving cheating on your diet.

On the casual side, Trattoria on the Hill has great food and drinks, but more importantly, they have great sauce! Jars of their homemade sauce is available for purchase so you can make your own Italian creation!

Best Restaurants in Cleveland Heights

Another east side community, Cleveland Heights has been home to many things: music, art, even Dean Martin! It is also home to some of the best restaurants in the city.

#1 Greedy Girl

This restaurant is an Indian and Greek fusion and it is just amazing. Anything from Frankies and samosas, to okra fries there is something for everyone.

#2 Melt

Melt is a must-see in the Northeast Ohio area. Locals come here for the monster-sized grilled cheese variations including the “Parmageddon” which is named after a Polish Cleveland suburb, that has Polish classics: pierogi, and sour kraut.

#3 R’s Kitchen

A great casual hangout with great pub food and happy hour specials. Locals love the ambiance and the owner, who will come to your table and discuss your dish with you, especially if you have special dietary restrictions.

Best Restaurants in Cleveland Flats

The Flats have gone back and forth in popularity in recent years, but now it’s an all-time high! With more and more places to live and eat all right by the river, it has become one of the hotspots in the city.

#1 Beerhead Brewhouse

Beerhead isn’t just your average bar. Yes, it does have hundreds of beers to choose from (and a super helpful wait staff that knows everything about them), but it also has a great brunch menu on the weekends and a great pizza selection.

#2 Shooters on the Water

Throughout all the ups and downs The Flats area has been through, Shooters has seen it all. First opening in 1987, the restaurant has celebrated 30 amazing years at it’s location and it won’t be going anywhere. With amazing shows, great river views and great food what more could you ask for?

#3 Coastal Taco Bar + Chill

One of the most fun spots on the East Bank. It is a beach house that has outdoor corn hole, fire pits and great river views. It also has two ways to dine: the traditional sit-down side or the takeout window for easy access to all the tacos you could possibly need!

Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Cleveland

Vegetarian and Vegan restaurants are becoming more and more accessible even in Cleveland!

#1 Munch

A little outside of the city, this Solon location is worth the drive. For those who are vegetarian or vegan, this will be a safe haven. They have been perfecting their menu for 17 years and it shows. The menu is full of options including, falafels, sandwiches and wraps.

#2 Cleveland Vegan

The perfect cross between healthful and comforting. A great spot when you need a light meal and a spot to finish up that report. In addition to the great breakfast options (hello, s’mores French toast!) they also have great smoothies that will give you the energy to keep going.

Located in downtown Cleveland, near multiple office buildings makes this a great lunch spot for those who need a quick bite and don’t have time to search all over the city for something that will coincide with their diet.

Best Italian Restaurants

Even outside of Little Italy there are amazing Italian restaurants! All over the city, there are great spots for a classic Italian meal. You can find out our full expanded list of the Best Italian Restaurants in Cleveland here.

#1 LAGO Cucina Enotecca and BIrreria

Located in the Aloft hotel on the East Bank of the flats, this spot is great for locals and tourists alike. They have great happy hour specials, but more importantly, they have great pasta! Another menu highlight is the Salerno Family Meatballs that are a customer favorite.

#2 Luca Italian Cuisine

A high-end Ohio City gem that features modern furnishings and great dishes. Everything from duck, calamari and classic Italian is available. They have an entire gluten-free menu, too!

#3 Bruno’s

Right on the popular Detroit Shoreway, Bruno’s is a great intimate hangout with amazing traditional Italian dishes and a great bar. A great spot for getting all your friends together to catch up and relax!

Best Steakhouses

#1 XO Prime Steaks

Located in the historic Warehouse District, XO is one of the nicest upscale restaurants in Cleveland. Come in with your best attire and they will give you their best steaks.

#2 Red, The Steakhouse

People from all over have come to visit Red, including Khloe Kardashian. This steakhouse puts a modern spin on an old classic that customers are not quick to forget.

#3 Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar

Another upscale choice with a unique interior thanks to the building it resides in formerly being a bank. A great experience with great food that everyone will love!

The variety of food and drinks makes this a local favorite. The menu even features build-your-own crepes, perfect to pair with your Bloody Mary.

#3 FatCats

While FatCats does still only have brunch on the weekend, their hours are better than most; they run from 11 am to 4pm. The menu is complete with salads, tacos and omelets for all your brunch cravings.

Best Burger

#1 B2B Burgers 2 Beer

A great spot for late dinners or just drinks. Located in the hip neighborhood of Lakewood, it is definitely the new hangout spot.

#2 Dynomite Burgers

Who doesn’t love enjoying a great burger at Progressive Field: Home of the Cleveland Indians? Dynomite has a second location at the stadium or you can visit their original location in Playhouse Square. If you like spicy things, you need to try their signature Dynomite Burger which has a nice kick.

#3 Nano Brew Cleveland

Offers just about every burger you could ever want including a PB&J burger! If PB&J on a bun is not your thing, they have Taco Tuesday (Cheddar, Taco Seasoning, Jalapenos, Pico) or you can always just stick with the Classic (American cheese, Lettuce, Tomato and Onion).

Best Pizza

#1 Captain Tony’s

Fresh made pizza everyday with loads of meal options. Offers delivery and online ordering, making this is a great lunch spot, with their meal deals that include two slices of pizza, a side and soda. They also offer catering for large events!

#2 Vincenza’s Pizza & Pasta

Claimed to be the best New York style pizza in Cleveland – and it’s no lie. A crowd favorite with its multiple crusts, toppings and great prices.

#3 Crust

Perfect for a quick bite and a drink. With a casual location, it’s the perfect place to relax after a long week with a great pizza and great friends.

Best Mexican Restaurants

Clevelanders loves taco joints. Out of all the many Mexican restaurants in the city, we have (somehow) narrowed it down to the top spots.

#1 Barrio

A Cleveland pastime. Barrio offers build-your-own tacos with multiple different salsas and sauces and great $4 happy hour margaritas.

#2 Camino

A great place for a taco and a craft beer. A perfect spot for those who live in the Warehouse district but easily accessible for those who don’t, too!

#3 Ohio City Burrito

It’s like Chipotle, only better. This little place has left a big impression on Clevelanders with its burritos and guac. Great place to sit in and enjoy or they also deliver (by bike!).

Best Chinese Restaurant

#1 Li Wah

Open 365 days a year, Li Wah is great for takeout or dining in. The large menu has traditional Chinese favorites like General Tso’s chicken and more unusual choices like the Roast Pig Jelly Fish.

#2 Han Chinese Kabob & Grill

A great Chinese takeout spot with all the favorites beef, pork and chicken favorites but also offers seafood and lamb options as well. Great for dinner on a busy evening, you can even order online through their website.

#3 Szechuan Café

A great sit down restaurant that offers different types of Asian food including sushi. It also offers limited American food for those who may not be feeling the traditional Asian food, so a win-win for everyone!

Best Seafood

#1 Blue Point Grille

A high end restaurant with the best seafood in the city. Enjoy scallions with a great view of the city from one of the higher levels of this multilevel location right in the middle of the Warehouse district.

#2 Mallorca

This Spain and Portugal based restaurant offers some of the best shellfish in the city. The seafood offerings are extensive, everything from scallops to Lobster ravioli is available.

#3 Nauti Mermaid

Perfect for a casual dinner, the Nauti Mermaid has a full Caribbean menu and a fun, nautical theme that is sure to please.

Mike & Abby Sweeney are our resident foodies. Their thought process on food is "to give everything a chance." Matt loves craft beers, Italian food, and any play on bar bites. Abby is into wine, cheese, and anything Asian. Together they form a dynamic duo eager to weigh in on any new restaurant!

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Mike & Abby Sweeney are our resident foodies. Their thought process on food is "to give everything a chance." Matt loves craft beers, Italian food, and any play on bar bites. Abby is into wine, cheese, and anything Asian. Together they form a dynamic duo eager to weigh in on any new restaurant!